This evening's 2-1 win against Slovakia was exactly what was needed to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. In 2026, we can look forward to playing in the next highest division.
It means a lot. It's clear that it was the goal, there was nothing else on the agenda than to win this group and it's nice that we did it, says 2-1 scorer Alexander Isak in Viaplay's broadcast.
After years of setbacks, a success finally came. Jon Dahl Tomasson's national team building is becoming both more beautiful and stable, even if it's still a way from the finished product.
The margins are small sometimes – and this time they were on the national team's and AIK midfielder Anton Salétros' side.
Slovakian free kick directly
He got a leading role directly. Already after 30 seconds, he messed up the ball. Tomas Suslov got a free pass, but shot hastily outside with his weaker foot, the right one.
A minute and a half later, Yasin Ayari picked up the ball in the middle, played quickly to Isak, whose deep pass reached Gyökeres.
Europe's perhaps hottest striker right now rarely misses such opportunities. Distinctly, he placed his fifth goal of the season in the Nations League – and gave the national team a dream start.
Gyökeres, Isak, and Dejan Kulusevski – an offensive trio of high international class – poured on, created chaos in the Slovakian defense, with good assistance from, among others, the excellent Ayari.
We have a good teamwork where we utilize our strengths, says Isak to Viaplay.
Martin Dúbravka, Isak's club teammate in Newcastle, screamed and yelled at his outfield players when he didn't respond with brilliant saves.
Trust in the national team is back. The masses (36,417) at the national arena in Solna enjoyed the entertainment.
But football is played in two directions. Defensively, the national team is weaker. Gabriel Gudmundsson's missed clearance ended up with Dávid Hancko, who screwed in 1-1 via the post.
That goal was framed by two other defensive setbacks. Isak Hien was warned and is suspended against Azerbaijan on Tuesday, team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf limped out injured after 26 minutes.
Isak was a hair's breadth from scoring 2-1 on a half-volley before the break. The lead goal came instead directly after. Calmly, he pushed the ball high into the net behind Dúbravka.
A class goal by a sizzling Isak who is in brilliant form.
Milan Skriniar received a red card for a rough tackle on Gyökeres in the 90th minute.
2-5 against Portugal in Guimarães (March 21). Goals: Viktor Gyökeres, Gustaf Nilsson.
1-0 against Albania in Solna (March 25). Goal: Gustaf Nilsson.
1-2 against Denmark in Copenhagen (June 5). Goal: Alexander Isak.
0-3 against Serbia in Solna (June 8).
Nations League:
3-1 against Azerbaijan in Baku (September 5). Goals: Alexander Isak 2, Viktor Gyökeres.
3-0 against Estonia in Solna (September 8). Goals: Viktor Gyökeres 2, Alexander Isak.
2-2 against Slovakia in Bratislava (October 11). Goals: Yasin Ayari, Ken Sema.
3-0 against Estonia in Tallinn (October 14). Goals: Sebastian Nanasi 2, Viktor Gyökeres.
2-1 against Slovakia in Solna (November 16). Goals: Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.
Remaining match:
Tuesday: Azerbaijan in Solna (20.45).
